The levels of different kinds of fats in your body affects your risks of developing many different diseases. Recent research done on transgenic mice suggests that high levels of a type of fat known as omega-6 fatty acids may speed the progression of melanoma, though these finding have yet to be duplicated in humans.
About Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and it represents the most common cause of death due to skin disease. Melanoma develops from genetic mutations in the melanocytes, which are skin cells that produce the pigment melanin. It typically develops due to the effects of ultraviolet radiation, such as that found in sunlight. The radiation can trigger genetic mutations that cause the melanoma cells to grow in a rapid and uncontrolled way.
About Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Omega-6 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat that come from different dietary sources, including vegetable oil. These fats cannot be made by the human body and are important for regulating the nervous system, the skin and nails. A proper balance of omega-6 fatty acids and another type of fat, known as omega-3 fatty acids, is important for human health. Omega-6 fatty acids can be used to treat a variety of health problems, including rheumatoid arthritis, allergies and diabetic neuropathy.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Melanoma
Recent studies on transgenic mice has suggested that the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in your body may play a role in the development of melanoma. A 2006 article in the "Proceedings of the National Academy of Science" examined the growth of melanoma in mice that were genetically altered to naturally have a reduced omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio. The genetically altered mice had slower tumor growth when they were implanted with melanoma cells relative to normal mice, suggesting that high levels of omega-6 fatty acids may influence the growth of melanoma.
Considerations
The transgenic mouse studies suggest that a high ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids may speed the development of melanoma tumors. However, these studies were only done in mice and have not been replicated in humans, so it is impossible to assert that reducing your omega-6 intake or increasing your omega-3 intake will lower your risk of developing melanoma. Talk to your doctor before changing your diet or taking any sort of fatty acid supplement.
Member Comments